It is the responsibility as well as the right of all students to communicate opinions and ideas to their senators so the student senate can be as effective and representative as possible. Senate meetings are held weekly and are open to all students; meeting times and agendas are posted several days prior to the meetings. The senate office and chambers are located on the second floor of Bartlett Hall.

Committees of the College
Ripon students have the opportunity to participate in a large number of diverse committees. Participation in these groups is a valuable personal experience, as students actively take part in decisions affecting the operation of the College.

Two faculty committees have one student member each, selected by the student senate. They are the educational policy committee, charged with the overview of and policy formation for the educational program, including the library and computer facilities; and the academic standards committee, charged with the overview of and policy formation in all areas of academic standards. Three students are also appointed as voting representatives to faculty policy meetings.

Faculty, staff and students form the community council, an advisory committee that oversees Ripon’s comprehensive plan and provides input for a variety of topics. The five student senate officers are members of the council.

The board of trustees encourages student participation on its committees. Two students serve on the committee on academic affairs, which considers all important proposed changes in the course of study. Three students serve on the committee on the Ripon person, which considers policies, problems, and issues related to the quality of student life, particularly non-academic matters.

Two students serve on the committee on development, which provides direction for Ripon’s fund raising efforts. Two students serve on the committee on operations, which oversees campus construction and renovation projects as well as human resources.

Other key committees made up completely or partly of students:

• Interfraternity Council — manages and promotes interfraternity affairs on campus, including the coordination and regulation of rush week and pledging. It consists of two members from each fraternity.
• Panhellenic Council — serves as the governing body of the sororities on campus. It is made up of three members from each sorority including each president.

Special Graduate Trustee
Each spring students elect a member of the senior class to serve two years as a full member of the board of trustees. This year’s special graduate trustees are Toni-Lee Scarano ’06 and Adam Krueger ’07. As the board is the final authority on campus, this position is important as it helps communicate student opinions and ideas to the board.